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Secret Garden |
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Secret Garden |
ON THE BACK PORCH
PRIVATE
David HB Drake / c. October 12, 1988
E A E
On the edge of your town with the sun going down,
A B E
And a song for my supper to sing
E A E
I'm the voice of your harbors, your land and your parlors
A B E
Adrift like a bird on the wing
G#m B E
And I'll bring you the news of the joy and the blues,
G#m A B
Songs that just living can sing
E A
Out here on the back porch there's a minstrel that's
E A G#m
waiting for you with a song for to sing...
E A
Out here on the back porch there's a minstrel that's
E A E
waiting for you with a song for to sing!
Now they call me a teacher, a bum and a preacher
And a wayfaring, whispering breeze
I'm the cry in your dreams, I'm a news-magazine
I'm the sound of the wind in the trees
And I've come to record harmony and discord
Labor through hard times and ease
Out here on the back porch there's a troubadour waiting
For you with a song for to please...
Out her on the back porch there's a troubadour waiting
For you with a song for to please!
So come round to your campfires, your pubs and your church spires
Come round to where coffee's fresh-brewed
On porches, in kitchens, pass on the tradition
Of music that's honest and true
For a troubadour, news-bringer, minstrel, folk-singer
Asks a moment as he's passing through
Out here on the back porch there's an old song
that's waiting for the day when I sing it for you...
Out here on the back porch there's an old song
that's waiting for the day when I sing it for you!
(NOTE: On "Secret Garden" album this is
played in an open E tuning using a half-capo covering the A-D-G strings and
played in "D" fingering. Strings sound E-B-E-A-B-E)
SECRET GARDEN
Carol McComb
(Capo 2 to sound in A)
G D C
I haven't sung for myself in so long now...
Am C+ D
I don't remember how to begin
G D C
It's like finding a path to a secret garden
Am C+ D
Only I can't find my way back again
G-C-G
Looking for a song...
C D G-C-G
is like looking for shooting stars in the sky
C D C F C-Am-D
The harder I try...the less I see with my eyes.
And I haven't seen you in so long now...
This letter came from you just yesterday
The bitterness there is like a cloak you still wear
That paints you and shrouds you all in grey
Demanding of love... Is like clutching at fistfuls of sand
The harder you hold...the less you have in your hand.
Is there music in the touch of a fiddler's hand or in the fiddle before he
thinks to play?
Is there love in our hearts before we're born waiting to grow more every day?
Believing in love... Is like letting a song sing itself
The more that comes out... the more you become your own self
I haven't sung for myself in so long now... I don't remember how to begin
It's like finding a path to a secret garden Only I can't find my way back again
Looking for a song... is like looking for shooting stars in the sky
The harder I try...the less I see with my eyes.
HOMECOMING WALTZ
David HB Drake / c. June 25,1988
(CAPO 3 to sound in A#/Bb)
G Am C
Imagine my thoughts when the letter came here
D C G
A high school reunion after twenty-five years
G Am C
How they ever found me I never will guess
D C G
They must have asked someone at my old address
D G
Where the years went, I never will know
G Em A7 D
Was it really a quarter a century ago?
G Am C
The voices and hopes and the dreams sound the same
D C G
As the time when we danced at the Homecoming game.
[CHORUS]
D G
The school gym is draped with blue, white, and gold
G Em A7 D
There's faces of old friends and faces grown old
G Am C
The shadows of classrooms and carhops with malts
D C G
Are memories whirled round in the Homecoming Waltz.
Now Jim is a teacher, Mary's his wife Jean had a baby, John's a bachelor for
life
Bill still loves Pam, Kathy married Ray And they're going to grandparents one of
these days.
Where the years went, I never will know Was really a quarter a century ago?
We tried to grow up just as fast as we could Now we look back and dream of the
place we once stood.
[CHORUS] / (music interlude)
Where the years went, I never will know Was really a quarter a century ago?
When all of us came from that same time and place And it's so good to see that
old smile on your face.
[CHORUS]
We look back and wonder why time never halts But it did for this moment in the
Homecoming Waltz!
AMITE EN ROSE (Friend of the Heart)
David HB Drake / c. January 2, 1983
Capo 2 to sound in A
G C G D Em
Lonely souls, both lost and tired, with no reason to go on
C G Am D
You needed to be free again and I to settle down
Em G
And together in the time we shared,
Am Em
we found the room to grow
C G D Em
For it's your love keeps me holding on and mine that lets you go
C G D G
It's your love keeps me holding on and mine that lets you go!
Sometimes I feel we're passing ships with no place that's safe from harm
And I find in you my anchor that will guide me through the storm
And you find in me a gentle wind where your course can tack and shift
For it's your love keeps my harbor calm and mine that lets you drift
It's your love keeps my harbor calm and mine that lets you drift.
I know that we were lovers once in another time somewhere
When I climbed up to your ivory tower on a ladder of your hair
And I was the knight of my princess fair when there's dragons to be slain
With your love as my armor strong and mine that breaks your chains
With your love as my armor strong and mine that breaks your chains.
So let's live and let each other live with no binding strings and rules
Passing judgment is for smaller minds and gossip is for fools
And you know the way to bring me peace, and I know to let you be
For it's your love holds me safe and warm, and mine that sets you free
It's your love holds me safe and warm, and mine that sets you free.
CHALICESTREAM SPRING
David HB Drake / c. March 25, 1984
(CAPO 2 to sound in A / recording used half capo on d-g-b: E-A-E-A-C#-E)
G C
Somehow the sun feels warm again, it's lost its grey cold winter face
G A
And I just can't remember when I last saw birds around the place
G C
The maple trees out in the woods now flow with sap that's oh-so sweet
G C
The sun is shining on my face, mud is sticking to my feet...
[CHORUS]
C D G (Em)
Today the earth is waking from its sleeping
C D G
The spring sings like so many times before
Bm C
And like a Phoenix grows new life from last year's reaping
G D G
As the cycle of the seasons starts once more!
Somehow I just don't need a coat ... winds that chilled me to the core
Have lost their roaring lion's throat and I can walk the land once more
The smell of last year's field decay is mixing sweet with growing hope
That winter left my world today and spring lies with me on this slope...
[CHORUS]
The waters of the melting streams now flow with hope for life to start
And peaceful pathways wind with dreams where living has become an art
Once more the seasons turn around from blowing snow to dancing rain
So draw your roots deep in the ground and find the strength to grow again...
[CHORUS]
...As the cycle of the seasons starts once more
WINDS OF TIME
David HB Drake / c. July 26, 1984
Dm C
Another task, another trial, another change of pace and style
Dm C A
Another card to note and file, a time to beg and borrow
Dm C
Another chance to change is lost, the benefits don't meet the cost
Dm C A Dm
And once again the dreams are tossed aside until tomorrow.
[CHORUS]
D C
The turning of the weather vane sends shadows dancing through my brain
D C A Dm
The rush of wings, the smell of rain, the winds of time...have changed again.
A quiet spot, a peaceful place, a summer evening's warm embrace
A time of speaking face to face, a turning of the season
And drifting in the storm's soft eye, the stillness seems to magnify
This time to watch with wonder at how each change has a reason.
[CHORUS]
Another path, another mile, another chance to cry or smile
A time to leave or stay a while, a time to see reflections
Another shift, another tack, to strain the ties or let them slack
To face the wind or turn your back, a time to change directions.
[CHORUS]
So if you ask me where we're bound of if we're lost or if we've found
The way to turn the years around we spent with one another
The only thing I know for sure is when the changes do occur
And be they rich or be they poor we still will have each other.
[CHORUS]
ELIZABETHS THREE
PRIVATE
David HB Drake c. December 8, 1982
C Em Am Em
When I was but a young man there were sweethearts aplenty
Am Em Am F
All them fair and laughing ladies, each a treasure to see,
C Em Am Em
There was Suzanne from the mainland and Brenda of the islands
Am Em Am F
But the nearest and the dearest were Elizabeths Three.
When my voice as early changing and my beard was feather-downing
It was Brenda ran beside me in the fields wild and free,
And I learned to love a woman lying close the nights with Suzanne
In a love that grew long before I knew my Elizabeths Three.
Now the first she was a singer of the love that life would bring her,
And she taught me to hear music in the land and the sea,
And the second danced her caring in the life that we were sharing
She was my young wife in a new life with Elizabeths Three.
Now my beard and eyes are graying and I hear my body saying
That it's cold now, growing old now, there's no love left for me
Then I hear a new song ringing and we meet as one in the singing
Leave the past and join the last Elizabeths Three.
From the lonely isle of Lewis comes an air that whispers to us
Here's a tune for all you sweethearts I will never more see
There was Suzanne from the mainland and Brenda of the islands
But the nearest and the dearest were Elizabeths Three.
LITTLE KIDS (ANDREW'S SONG)
David HB Drake c. January 5, 1992
C C+ Am Am+
My friend Amanda can make the sun shine,
F G C
it's something she really can do!
C C+ Am Am+
When the sky's full of clouds and the world has gone grey,
F G C C7
When I'm feeling so lost and blue
F C Am
Amanda does something to make the sun shine,
F G C C7
She really does, I know it's true
F C Am
And suddenly I know that everything's fine...
F G C Am
It's a magic that little kids do,
F G C
And I know it really is true!
My little friend Jay can make the flowers grow It's something he really can do
When things move too fast and each day's like the last When I'm not sure I'll
make it through
Then Jay winks his eye and a flower comes to bloom He really does, I know it's
true
And the road that I travel is filled with perfume- It's a magic that little kids
do,
And I know it really is true.
(Bridge)
F C Am
You can tell me of wizards and wild dragon wings,
F G C C7
And frogs in an old witch's brew
F C Am
I'm not sure that I still believe in such things
D G
But I know that little kids do... (2nd time: But I once was a little kid too...)
My little friend Jesse can dance with the clouds It's something she really can
do
When a day meant for dreaming is just not allowed When I need a new point of
view
In Jessica's world every day is a dance It really is, I know it's true
And she'll teach me to love if I give her the chance It's a magic that little
kids do,
And I know it really is true!
(Bridge 2)
My little friend Andrew's been talking to God
He really has, I know it's true,
It's something we grown-ups seem to have lost
We're not sure if our prayers get through.
But God has taught Andrew to sing and to smile,
He really has, I know it's true
And I can hear God through the faith of a child
It's a magic that little kids do...
And I know it really is true!
(repeat last two lines: Yes, I can hear God...)
FATHER'S DAY
David HB Drake / c. June 4, 1986
(C) F G C G
The newspapers tells me it's Father's Day...it's a special day...
F C
it's a day for a card.
F G C G
Or buy the old man something... anything...that he won't really use,
F C
but then shopping's so hard
E Am F
And the newspaper tells us it's fishing he wants, or a pair of new shoes
G
Or a tool that won't rust,
E Am F
We can buy him a token for working so hard, but he doesn't want gifts,
G
all he wants is us.
[CHORUS]
C G F C
And maybe this time you can give him a hug, or send him some cheer for his pain
and his tears,
C G F G
Or stand like a man and take his outstretched hand...and tell him you love
him...at least once a year.
The TV is saying it's Father's Day, so let's make a big deal,
let's hear it for old Dad
And the hucksters are saying to come in and see-all the wonderful things
that will make him feel glad
But you can't buy his pride from a catalog page, or the smile that he wore
at your coming of age
And you can't buy his strength that has kept you from harm
Or the hard salty warmth that you find in his arms...
[CHORUS]
The calendar tells me it's Father's Day, so let's all slap his back
and break out the cigars
And tune in some football or barbeque steaks and tell some old jokes
as we sit in the bars
But you can't be a Father without boys and girls and the noise and the home
and the love of a wife,
On the day you were born it was Father's Day, that and every day,
for the rest of your life...
[CHORUS] (and thank him for making it Father's Day )
THE DAILY GRIND
David HB Drake / c. May 27, 1987
(Acapella)
Now the sun come up and alarm clock rings
Time to drag on out and do my thing
But my brain is fuzzy and my eyes are lead...
It's still around midnight in my head
Gotta grind...Gotta get up, get out, get on, go, Gotta grind!
So I drag to the kitchen, grab me a cup
I don't know for sure which way is up
But I reach for the bag full of big brown beans
And I go for a ride in my coffee machine
Gotta grind...Gotta get up, get out, get on, go, Gotta grind!
Now it may just seem habitual, but for a good time morning ritual
You just put them beans in a coffee grinder
and you crank 'em down until they kinda...
Smell like the earth on a new plowed farm
Or a hickory log when it's getting warm
Gotta grind...Gotta get up, get out, get on, go, Gotta grind!
So I pour me a cup when the water's boiling
Gonna start my engines for the long day's toiling
It's a wake-up call from Colombian Java
Black as ink and hot as lava
Gotta grind...Gotta get up, get out, get on, go, Gotta grind!
So if you've got the blues, if you've got the downs
If you can't get moving when the day comes 'round
If you're in the dumps and feeling sad
Just get a grinder like your grandma had
Grind them beans all fresh and roasted
While the eggs get sunny and the toast gets toasted
Fire up your body and crank up your mind
For the song and dance we call "The Daily Grind"
Gotta grind...Gotta get up, get out, get on, go, Gotta grind!
MARATHON DANCERS
David HB Drake / c. April 1, 1982
(capo 2 to sound in A)
C D G C
The lights are all shining, the movements are graceful,
Am D C G
The seats are all filled for one more curtain call
C Bm Am Em
And they watch every move and they ask how you do it
C G D G
Your steps never stumble and hopes never fall!
[CHORUS]
C D G C
Marathon Dancers, just keep your feet moving
Am D C G
The judges are watching, the music still plays
C Bm Am Em Em+
And you cling to each other if just to keep standing
C G D G
And wait for the last tune to dance you away!
The pain of each motion has faded to numbness
But the crowd cheers for more and there's no time to rest
For your dance weaves a magic that lifts them still higher
There's no stopping, no sleeping...keep giving your best!
[CHORUS]
And the years and the tears and applause blur together
So long as they love you there's no backing out
But the crowd has gone home and the stage is left empty
In a silent ovation to what you're about.
[2nd CHORUS]
Marathon dancers, alone in the spotlight...
For all of the glitter, no one really cares.
Will you trust in your strength to keep holding your partner
And share in the dream for as long as you dare?
Marathon Dancers, just keep your feet moving
The judges are watching, the music still plays
And you cling to each other if just to keep standing
And wait for the last tune to dance you away!
...Cling to each other if just to keep standing And wait for the last tune to
dance you away!
GOD'S GREAT NORTHERN FOREST
David HB Drake / c. September 10, 1983
(Capo 2 to sound in A; * D played C position
slid to 3rd fret)
G C D* F
The smell of rain is in the air, the distant thunder drums somewhere,
Em C G D G
Fish don't bite, but we don't care, we're safe against the weather.
G C D* F
A Northern Forest is the place we come to let the peace erase,
Em C G D G
Our gray and concrete city face, and spend some time together.
[CHORUS]
C D G C
With just a tent and a canoe, no smoke and steel to spoil the view,
Em C G D G
And only me and only you to love the land before us.
C D G C
No newspapers, no telephones, no cars or bars or cornerstones,
Em C G D G
Only me and you alone in God's great northern forest.
The wind shifts west across the bay and steals the light from waking day,
I'd rather lie here anyway than spend my life in toiling.
The tall pines bend, the aspens quake, the rain hits sizzling on the lake,
And sets me dreaming, half awake, of campfire coffee boiling.
[CHORUS]
The storm will pass us by and by, I watch the land from where we lie,
And wonder if there's wood that's dry to start our breakfast warming.
The distant loon calls break the still and soon my sleeping lady will
Reach out to hold me in the chill and wake to greet the morning.
[CHORUS]
Where there's no newspapers, no telephones, no cars or bars or cornerstones,
Only me and you alone in God's great northern forest.
THE ENVIRONMENTALIST
David HB Drake c. October 3, 1991
C Am F C
I saw it in the paper when I woke up today...
F C D G
Those governmental bureaucrats have finally seen the way.
F C E Am
They're telling us to tighten up, they say we must conserve,
F C G C
To preach what they don't practice sure must take a lot of nerve.
I've never been an "eco-nut", I've never served a cause,
But all this talk of natural life has given me some pause.
I'm trying to help Mother Earth, it's so hard to resist,
By being homeless I'm now an environmentalist.
CHORUS
F C E Am
And they tell us to recycle and they tell us to re-use
F C F G
But the ones that do the telling, They aren't walking in our shoes
F C
Well we've been used, and more than once,
E Am
We know that for a fact,
F C G C
Society threw us away but we'll keep coming back.
I buy my clothes at Sally-Ann's, my shoes at Willy's store,
And they don't need no breaking in, 'cause they've been worn before.
And I recycle papers, yes, I use them for a sheet,
To warm me from the cold, cold wind when I sleep on the street.
CHORUS
Aluminum should be conserved, of that I have no doubt,
So I go dumpster diving for the stuff that you've thrown out.
And if I find some food the critters haven't beat me to,
I'll harvest it a second time and I'll have lunch on you.
CHORUS
So you can call me homeless and you view me with distaste,
But I've learned how I can survive on all the things you waste,
And if you want to help this earth, you can't take more than give,
So live your lives more simply so the rest of us can live.
CHORUS
DUSTY ROSE
David HB Drake / c. May 29, 1986
Capo 2 to sound in E (drop D using Shub Capo
with 6th string free)
D G Em
One night somewhere between the smoke and laughter
A7 G D
In a worn out town where a stranger seldom goes.
D G Em
Across the room her dancing eyes called to me
A7 G D
Among the weeds of life an untamed rose.
Now she must have been from somewhere dry and windy
For she said she had a name the desert chose
In this worn out big steel town she was transplanted
A wild and dusty Oklahoma rose.
[CHORUS]
G D
Today the world seems different just by dreaming
G Em A7
As the early morning sunlight softly glows
D G Em
I see a lady dancing in my memory
A7 G D
In shades of Dusty Oklahoma Rose.
We danced away the night until the dawning
We talked until the barroom had to close
She said she came from somewhere south of Tulsa
And I left her as the sky turned dusty rose.
[CHORUS] [MUSIC INTERLUDE] [CHORUS]
Someday I'll find a way to drift back to her
Or perhaps I'll find another place to roam
And I guess I'll send a postcard just for old times
Wishing she was here or I was heading home.
[CHORUS] x2
DOWN THE ROAD
Mary McCaslin
(capo 3 to sound in D#)
C Am F C
Sun is rising high, burning into the day
C Am F C
I will say goodbye I'll be going away
C C+G F C
Brush away my doubts that tomorrow will hold
Am F C
Feeling fine for now, going down the road.
To a city to sing, 'bout the trees in the wind
'Bout the hills in the spring, and the rivers that bend
The rocky deep pass and the puppies and ponies
Playing in the grass up and down the road.
(interlude)
In the dark they sit and they holler for more
White smoke in a wisp from here to the door
Their admission they paid for the stories they're told
Of a clear new day only down the road!
So heavy rain at my back, lazy meadows ahead
In my book I keep track of the promises said
For my song's in a town that tomorrow will hold
Feeling fine for now, going down the road!
(interlude)
The sun is rising high, burning into the day
I will say goodbye I'll be going away
Brush away my doubts that tomorrow will hold
Feeling fine for now, going down the road...
Feeling fine for now, going down the road...
I'm feeling fine for now, going down the road!
